Tag: Drug Bust

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust at RIDE

(ESPANOLA, ON) – The Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested and charged multiple individuals for drug related offences after stopping a vehicle at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) program.

On July 19, 2024, shortly after 11:00 p.m., the Manitoulin OPP was conducting a R.I.D.E. program on Highway 6 near Old Webbwood Road in Espanola. A vehicle was stopped at the R.I.D.E. program as it was determined one of the vehicle passengers was wanted. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located a large quantity of Canadian currency, along with large quantities of suspected fentanyl, suspected cocaine and suspected methamphetamine. The remainder of vehicle occupants were also arrested and transported to the OPP detachment.

As a result of the investigation, Misty PLUME, 45-years-old from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory has been charged with:

  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – two counts
  • Possession of a schedule I substance – three counts
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Sudbury Bail Court on August 1, 2024.

Dante RECOLLET, 22-years-old, and Sabrina TRUDEAU, 26-years-old from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory have been charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – two counts
  • Possession of a schedule I substance – three counts
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The accused persons were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 9, 2024.

Adam SHAWANA, 46-years-old from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory has been charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – two counts
  • Possession of a schedule I substance – three counts
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Fail to comply with Probation Order

The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Sudbury Bail Court on August 1, 2024.

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

$9,000,000 Drug Bust

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have seized over $9 million worth of drugs and more than $800,000 in currency in connection to an organized crime drug trafficking investigation. This is one of the largest drug seizures in WRPS’ history. 

In March 2023, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Patrol officers responded to a report of a residential break-and-enter in the area of Fergus Avenue and Weber Street East in Kitchener and located multiple kilograms of suspected cocaine inside the residence. WRPS’ Drugs and Firearms Unit then commenced an organized crime drug trafficking investigation that resulted in the completion of search warrants at two Kitchener residences, one in the area of Weber Street East and Fergus Avenue and the other in the area of Victoria Street South and Park Street, and the seizure of cocaine, MDMA, crystal methamphetamine, almost $100,000 in Canadian currency, and seven firearms.

On April 26, 2024, as part of the ongoing investigation, officers from WRPS’ Criminal Intelligence Unit, with assistance from the Emergency Response Team, completed two search warrants at Kitchener residences in the areas of Sims Estate Drive and Fairway Road North, and Homer Watson Boulevard and Old Carriage Drive. A search warrant was also completed on a 2023 Audi motor vehicle. Investigators seized multiple kilograms of suspected cocaine, suspected crystal methamphetamine, and Canadian currency.

Seized property as a result of the investigation.
Seized property as a result of the investigation.
Seized property as a result of the investigation.
Seized property as a result of the investigation.
Seized property as a result of the investigation.

Over the course of the 13-month-long investigation, police seized:

  • More than 86 kilograms of suspected cocaine
  • Over 3 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine
  • Approximately 700 grams of MDMA
  • Approximately $815,000 in Canadian currency
  • Seven handguns

The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $9 million.

A 31-year-old male and a 22-year-old female, both from Kitchener, were arrested on April 26, 2024, and have been jointly charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. The male is also facing three additional counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Both accused parties were held in police custody for a bail hearing.

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated. 

Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

WA24106601 (921)

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust

(SD&G, ON)- The Stormont Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and OPP Community Street Crime Unit have charged one individual with trafficking illegal drugs. 

On April 17, 2024, the East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with the assistance of the East Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) and SD&G OPP officers, executed a warrant at a residence on the 100 block of Montreal Road in Cornwall. One individual was arrested. Investigators seized suspected opioid (Percocet) and cocaine, along with firearms and Canadian currency.

Ryan BALSTON, age 32 of Cornwall was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 – in Canada
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition- three counts.
  • Breach of Firearms Regulation-Store firearm or restricted weapon- two counts
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm – two counts.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Cornwall Court at a later date.

Categories
OPP Paisley Police Press Releases WFP

$36,000 Drug Bust In Paisley: RITCHIE, DOWLING & FLEMING

(PAISLEY, ON) – On April 18, 2024, at 2:31 a.m., officers with the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped to check a vehicle along Queen Street North in Paisley.

Three occupants were identified by officers where one was found to be in contravention of their release conditions, another was subject to an active warrant. A search incident to arrest led to the seizure of a large quantity of illicit drugs.

As a result of the investigation, the South Bruce OPP have charged:

William DOWLING, 59-years-old, from the Municipality of Saugeen Shores with:

  • Poss. of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (3 counts)
  • Poss. of a Schedule I substance

Brendan FLEMING, 39-years-old, from the Municipality of Kincardine with:

  • Poss. of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (3 counts)
  • Failure to comply with release order
  • Poss. of a Schedule I substance

Joanna RITCHIE, 29-years-old, from Saugeen First Nation with:

  • Poss. of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (3 counts)
  • Poss. of a Schedule I substance

The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $36,600.00 – The accused parties were held for a bail hearing in Walkerton.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Categories
Midland OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(MIDLAND,ON) A vehicle with a broken rear window attracted the attention of police this morning and led officers to locate drugs during a traffic stop.

On the morning of April 17, 2024, members of the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police(OPP) were on general patrol in the Town of Midland and observed a vehicle with a smashed rear windshield parked in a private parking lot. Officers stopped the small SUV as it exited onto Montreal Street in Midland and upon speaking with the occupants, officers gathered grounds to believe that they were smoking cannabis inside the car. A search of the vehicle was conducted and during the search officers located drugs which are prohibited under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.

As a result of this investigation, the following persons are facing their respective charges:

Francis JENNS, 58 years of Midland and Marci LASALLE, 43 years of Orillia face the following charges contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;

  • Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance – Opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance – Other Drugs

They were released to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on May 30, 2024.

Amanda Black, 36 years of Barrie faces the above charges as well as the following charges contrary to the Criminal Code;

  • Possession of a Credit Card
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused were held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 17, 2024.

Categories
Hawkesbury OPP Police Press Releases

Only One Headlight Leads To $30,000 Drug Bust

(HAWKESBURY, ON) – The Hawkesbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two people, and seized more than $30,000 worth of drugs and $2,235 in Canadian currency following a traffic stop.

On April 16, 2024, at approximately 1:20 a.m., OPP officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle headed eastbound on Highway 417 at mile marker 35 due to a burnt out headlight.

As a result of the investigation, the driver – 34-year-old Etienne Joseph Montpetit from Ottawa – was arrested and charged with the following offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and the Criminal Code (CC):

  • CDSA – Adult possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • CDSA – Adult possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • CDSA – Adult possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Other Drugs
  • CC Adult possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 – in Canada

The passenger, 39-year-old Ryan Gordon from Ottawa, was also charged with the following offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and the Criminal Code (CC):

  • CDSA – Adult possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • CDSA – Adult possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • CDSA – Adult possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Other Drugs
  • CC Adult possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 – in Canada

Both males were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court on May 8, 2024 at the L’Orignal Court of Justice. 

Categories
London Police Service Police Press Releases

$144,000 Drug Bust – Loaded Firearm Seized

LONDON, ON (April 12, 2024) – Charges have been laid after a drug investigation in the city’s southeast end.

On Tuesday April 9, 2024, members of the London Police Service (LPS) Guns and Gangs Section with the assistance of the LPS Emergency Response Unit executed search warrants at 2 residences in the city.

The search of the residences led to the following items being seized:

  • A Springfield Hellcat 9 mm semi-automatic sub-compact handgun loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition;
  • 913 grams of cocaine, approximate value $91, 300;
  • 1440 TEC tablets, approximate value $7, 200.
  • 9298 Dilaudid 8 milligram tablets, approximate value $46, 490; and,

Total value of drugs seized: $144, 990.

As a result of the investigation, Boris Ruti Kaleke, 30, of London has been arrested and charged. The current whereabouts of a second male involved, Gael Kabanga Kaleke, 31, of London is unknown and as such, charges have been laid by way of warrant of arrest.

Both males have been jointly charged with the following offences:

  • Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition;
  • Possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon of prohibited device knowing no authority unauthorized;
  • Possess loaded/unloaded regulated firearm; and,
  • Possession of an identity document.

Gael Kabanga Kaleke, 31, has additionally been charged with unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm.

Boris Ruti Kaleke, 30, has additionally been charged with the following offences;

  • Possess restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a license and registration certificate;
  • Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order; and,
  • Three (3) counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Boris Ruti Kaleke remains in custody and is scheduled to re-appear in London court today in relation to his charges.

Gael Kabanga Kaleke is described as male, Black, approximately 5’8”, 161 lbs, medium build with short black hair, black facial hair and brown eyes. Police have included a picture of Gael in hopes the public can assist with locating him. If seen, members of the public are reminded to not approach him, and to call 9-1-1 immediately.Image of wanted male

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

1 Kilo(ish) Cocaine $10,000 Cash Bust – WRPS Won’t Say Where The ISH Went Or Name Names #MaybeWeWantSome2

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Direct Action Response Team (DART) has charged three males with drug-related offences after a traffic stop in Kitchener.

On April 5, 2024, at approximately 1:20 a.m., DART members on proactive patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Kinzie Street and Weber Street East.

As part of the investigation, officers seized approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine and approximately $10,000 in Canadian currency.

Two 20-year-old males and a 19-year-old male, all from Cambridge, were arrested and jointly charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. One 20-year-old was also charged with obstructing a police officer and failing to comply with a release order.

The accused parties were held in police custody for a bail hearing.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Direct Action Response Team is committed to the safety of all citizens through proactive initiatives. Members of the community are reminded that they can report suspicious activity anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

WA24087091 (921)

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police WFP

1 Kilo(ish) Cocaine & $10,000 Cash Bust – WRPS Won’t Say Where The ISH Went Or Name Names

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Direct Action Response Team (DART) has charged three males with drug-related offences after a traffic stop in Kitchener.

On April 5, 2024, at approximately 1:20 a.m., DART members on proactive patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Kinzie Street and Weber Street East.

As part of the investigation, officers seized approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine and approximately $10,000 in Canadian currency.

Two 20-year-old males and a 19-year-old male, all from Cambridge, were arrested and jointly charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. One 20-year-old was also charged with obstructing a police officer and failing to comply with a release order.

The accused parties were held in police custody for a bail hearing.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Direct Action Response Team is committed to the safety of all citizens through proactive initiatives. Members of the community are reminded that they can report suspicious activity anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

WA24087091 (921)

Categories
Niagara OPP Police Press Releases

Police Close 3 Business and Confiscate $230,000 In Weed – “Government” Wasn’t Getting A Cut

(NIAGARA REGION, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) seized illicit cannabis and contraband tobacco products with a potential street value of more than $230,000, resulting in the closure of three illegal storefronts in the Niagara Region.

On March 7, 2024, PJFCET executed three search warrants in the City of Thorold, the City of Welland and the Town of Fort Erie, on storefronts that were not authorized by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) to sell cannabis or cannabis products.

As a result of the search warrants, police seized approximately:

  • 91.5 kilograms of dried cannabis
  • 695 pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes
  • 720 grams of cannabis extract
  • 2,065 packages of cannabis edibles
  • 915 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vape pens
  • two kilograms of hashish
  • 173,800 tobacco cigarettes
  • 420 tobacco cigars
  • cell phones, computers and other electronics
  • $4,700 in Canadian currency

Three people have been arrested and charged contrary to the CC, and the Cannabis Act (CA).

Nikola GARALEJIC, age 26, of Niagara Falls, has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime, section 354(1)(a) CC
  • Trafficking contraband tobacco, section 121.1 CC
  • Possess cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2) CA

Anoop RARICHAN, age 28, of Thorold, has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime, section 354(1)(a) CC
  • Trafficking contraband tobacco, section 121.1 CC
  • Possess cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2) CA

David SAULT, age 38, of Burford, has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime, section 354(1)(a) CC
  • Possess cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2) CA

The accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in April 2024.

The investigation, which remains ongoing, was supported by the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and the Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team (CTET).

Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of cannabis should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and ask to provide information to the PJFCET. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.